BODY TALK

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEW

1. How does this collection speak to you? How
did it come about? What did you want this to say to your audience?

Tantalum asked us to
submit our work for this Gentlemen’s issue, we knew exactly what we wanted to
do. We wanted to captivate the audience with a classic and tailored look
because you can never go wrong with a good looking man in a well-made 3 piece
suit.

2. What do you find to be the most difficult
when bringing a team of artists together to create a cohesive look? How do you pick the right team?

The most important
thing to me is making sure that the team I use understands the vision of the
editorial being worked on. Which is why I keep the same team for the majority
of my editorials because we understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Plus, I love how we bounce ideas off one another.

3. As an editorial artist, what do you feel is
one of the biggest mistakes beginners tend to make?

In my opinion,
beginners tend to rely on gimmicks and over-processing of images to make up for
their lack of vision. If the concept is thoroughly thought out and the team
understands what is needed of them, gimmicks and over-processing should not
even be an option.

4. How would you describe your artistic style?

My artistic style is
very old-school. It is all about the correct lighting, the right style and the
perfect model. When I started my career,
it was all about film. We didn’t have room for mistakes because we were only
allowed a certain amount of shots for that photo shoot.

5. Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in
front of it?

I’m a photographer
first, but… I have been known to jump in front of the camera to break the ice
so everyone can have a little fun and have a comfortable experience.

6. What is your greatest weakness and your
greatest strength?

My greatest weakness
has to be overthinking. Sometimes I can’t sleep the night before a shoot
because of all the ideas and worries running through my mind about the next
day. I think my greatest strength is my easy going persona. I’ve been told
numerous times that my personality has helped the model or actor in front of my
camera relax and deliver their best because I’m not overly demanding and I am
not too detached from them as people. A lot of photographers tend to lose that
communication with their model because their focus is all on their screens.
There’s no way a model can deliver their best if they can’t connect with the
photographer in front of them.

7. What misconceptions do you think outsiders
have about fashion and beauty editorials?

I think the biggest
misconception is that they assume that we live that extravagant life full of
models, clothes, money, sex and champagne; when in reality, most are struggling
artists trying to fulfill their desire of achieving their dreams.

8. What is your secret to keeping a happy
balanced life while following your passion?

The support I get from
my family and loved ones is what keeps me going. It’s nearly impossible to
pursue your passion and dreams without some sort of support from people close
to you.

9. Music feeds the soul and often motivates.
What music are you playing while you are shooting?

Disco baby! DISCO!

10. Words to live by?

We are just doing
fashion. We are not finding a cure for cancer. So lighten up and have fun!